Frome’s Royal British Legion has seen a dramatic revival in its fortunes over the past year.
Less than 12 months ago there was a concern that the Frome Legion branch would close down. But since then there has seen a boost to numbers and a new committee formed.
Jane Norris, acting chairman, Frome RBL said, “A year ago there was a concern that the Frome branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) was at risk of closure. However, since then it is good to let everyone know that people have come forward to join with current members.”
And she says with a new committee and new members, the future is very much a bright one as the annual Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Day approaches. But anyone who would like to help with the Poppy Appeal or join the RBL would be very much welcome. The invitation is open to everyone; you do not have to have served in the armed forces.
“The main source of funding for RBL work comes from the annual Poppy Appeal fortnight,” said Jane. “This year’s launch is on Saturday 26th October, with two weeks’ collecting until Sunday 10th November.
“Frome is very fortunate as it has an excellent team of poppy helpers, but anyone who feels they can spare some time, even if it’s just an hour on one of the stands at the larger supermarkets, to help to make up the poppy distribution boxes, or to get involved in any way, please contact the branch secretary, Richard Aspray via frome.secretary@rbl.community.
“Planning is also well under way for Frome’s own Remembrance Parade and services of Remembrance on Sunday, 10th November.
“One of the RBL’s main purposes is to offer help and support to serving and ex-serving personnel as well as their families. Entitlement to help is after seven days of service in any branch of HM Armed Forces. As well as local voluntary branch community support, the RBL provides support from combat rehabilitation to care homes and much more.
“Another purpose of the RBL is as custodians of the Nation’s Remembrance, and the RBL National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is testament to this.
“There is often a misunderstanding that membership of the RBL is restricted to ex-services personnel. This is not the case and while there is a common bond between ex-service people, non-service personnel are always welcomed and in fact some hold very important positions of office and carry out sterling work in the Frome branch.
“With strong links to service personnel and veterans, a new committee meeting venue at the Frome Town Rugby Club is now being used,” continued Jane. “This offers lots of car parking and a lift to the first floor where the meetings take place.
“The committee would like to say a big thank you to the Rugby Club for their help and hospitality, and likewise to the Chester House Social Club where we previously met. Currently there are just four committee meetings a year, but if the demand were there, more frequent social meetings could be held in and around Frome.
“The next Frome RBL branch meeting will include the AGM. If you would like to find out what happens, or just have a chat, then please come along. The meeting is on Wednesday 27th November, starting at 7.30pm at the Frome Town Rugby Club.”
